Art of filtration



ay I5, 1923.

G. H. FIFIELD ART lo1? FILTRATION Filed Nov. 5, 19420 2 Smeets-SheetI 1mm www mm.

ww wm -L l mw [Kimm May 15, 1923; 1,455,436

G. H. FIFIELD ART OF FILTRATION FiledNov. 5, 1920 2 sheets-sheet 2ltionary head 10 by means of the Patented May l5, 1923.

rasant GEORGE H. FIFIELD, OF CULVER, INDIANA,

.ASSIGNOR TO STANDARD OIL COMPANY,

ART OF\FILTRATION.

Application fledNovember 5, 1920.

To all whom t may concern.'

Be it known that I, Gnonon H. FIFIELD, a citizen of the United States,residing at Culver, in the county of Marshall and State of Indiana, haveinvented a new and useful Improvement in the Art of "Filtration, ofwhich the following is a specification.

The present invention relates to the art of filtra-tion4 and moreparticularly to the filtration of paraffin waX or other wax or fusiblesubstancefrom chilled oil or other vehicle. It will be fully understoodfrom the following description, illustrated by the accompanyingdrawings, in which*` F ig. 1`is a broken longitudinal 'sectional view ofa filter press, details of the filter members or plates being omitted;

AF 1g. 2 is an elevation of a filter member,A

partly broken away to show its construction;

Fig. 3 is a detail longitudinal sectional view through a portion 4of thefilter press; and Fig. 4 is a detail view in elevation of a plortion ofan intermediate supporting ate. p Referring more particularly to thedrawings, the numeral 10indicates the stationary head of a filter press,whichy may be mounted upon a sui-table support, and the numeral l11 themovable head, which may be forced in the direction of the staplunger 12,actuated by hydraulic or other suitable means. may be that customary infilter presses, and is not herein described in detail.

Between the heads of the press the filter members 13 are slidablymounted upon rails 14, 14. The construction of these filter members,which are circular in form, is clearly shown in Figs. 2 and 3. In eachfilter member there is a central disk 15, provided at substantiallydiametrically opposite points with outwardly extending arms'16, 16adapted to ride upon rails 14, 14. Plate 15 is preferably more than halfthe radius of the plate above that point. A plate 15 is mounted 4a disk18 of woven wire or similar perforate material, these disks being ofsubstantially the same area as the plate 15, and being provided withopenings aligning with that in plate 15. 4Rings 19 The arrangement,` ofthese parts likewise provided with an-ing box35 into pipe opening 17located above its center and On each side 'of y.support of pipe 30,

Serial No. 421,859.

securely fastened on each side of the filter members at itscircumference serve to hold its parts together and likewise formedthickened rims for the filter member itself. A filter clot-l1. orblanket 20 is applied on each side of the filter member, the filtercloths being provided with openings aligning with, but somewhat smallerthan the openings 17 of plates 1,5. The'filter cloths 20, 20v on bothsides ofteach filter member or disk 13 are sewed tightly togetheraroundtheir openings within the opening 17 in each plate 15, as shown at 21,and loosely or at intervals around the circumference of the plate, as at22, 22. A plurality of filter members ofl .the character described aremounted between the heads of the press, and in normal operation are heldtightly tolgetler by the pressure appliedV to movable The stationaryhead1() is providedicentrally with -an opening 23, into which thechilledoil to be'filtered is fed through pipe 24. Above this centralopening 23 is lan opening 25, aligned with the openings through thefilter elements of the press.- A cylindrical chamber 26 is head lO/andopens into opening 25 and through it into the press. A feed pipe 27communicates with chamber 26 and this pipe has, in the form shown in thedrawings,

two valved branches 28and 29. y l

The aligned openings'l in the filter elements' 13 form a substantiallycylindrical opening extending the length of .the press. Apipe 30,smaller than this'opening, eX- tends through the cylindrical chamber 26and through the openingthrough the press for substantially thev entirelength ofthe latter. The pipe 30 is closed at its end 31 within thepress. A' suitable stuffing boX 32 seals the pipe 30 into the end of thechamber 26. At the end of the pipe 30 outside the filter press a drainpipe 34a communicates laterally therewith. 4

A smaller pipe 34 extends through stuff- 30, and reaches almost to theend of the latter pipe.v Pipe 34 is open -at its end.

' If found necessary or advisable for the plates 36 may be inserted atintervals between filter elements in the press. These plates arecircular in form, being supported upon the rods 14 in the same manner asplates 15. Circular opensecured to the e@ intense ings 37 are provided.in plates 36 at a height ductor extending transversely through saiddesigned to hold the pipe 30, which rests in lter surface whereby heatmay be applied to said openings, at its roper level. Smaller the waxdeposited thereupon. openings 38 are provi ed surrounding open- 2. Inwax filtering apparatus, in combiings 37 to permit free passage ofliquid nation, a filter surface, 'a confined chamber 70 through theplates. on each side thereof, means for supplying In operation, thepress being considered chilled oil intoone of said chambers, means tohave been previously chilled, chilled oil for withdrawing filtered oilthrough the containing parain wax is forced into the other of saidchambers, and means for press under pressure through pipe 24, theapplying a heating fiuid to the first of said g entire press being heldunder pressure by chambers. plunger `12. rEhe oil spreads through-the 3.ln wax filtering apparatus, in combinapress', filling the spaces betweenthe .filter tion, a plurality of aligned spaced filtering members, whichspaces are generally called surfaces' providedwith aligned openings, thewax spaces, and filters through the filter means for forcing chilled oilinto the altercloths. The filtered oil drains fromthe press nate spacesbetween said surfaces, means for through the spaces provided by theinsertion withdrawing filtered oil from the others of of the wire meshscreens 18 between the rings said spaces, and a heating pipe extending19 and plates 15 of the filter members. The through the openings in saidfilter surfaces. wax deposits upon the filter cloths 20 and 4. ln waxfiltering apparatus, a plurality 85 radually fills the wax spaces. Whenthe lof aligned filter disks, with openings thereatter are substantiallyfilled the introducthrough, each disk comprising spaced filter tion ofchilled-oil is stopped. Y surfaces, means for removing oil from the lnorder to effect the removal of the wax, spaces within the filter disksbetween the steam is introduced through pipe 34 into filter surfaces,wax depositing spaces be- 90 pipe 30, the heated pipe melting the waxtween the filter disks, and a heating pipe exsurrounding it andenlarging the open pastending through the openings in the filter sagefor liquid through the press. Water at disks. a suitable temperature(above 180 F. and 5. In wax filtering apparatus, in combinapreferablyabout 200- F.) is then introduced tion, a plurality of aligned filterdisks with .9J

. into this passage through pipe 27 and chamopenings therethrough, eachdisk comprisber 26. The hot water rapidly melts the wax ing spacedfilter surfaces, means for removin the press, the relatively highposition of ing oil from the spaces in each disk between the liquidpassage through the'press causing the filter surfaces, wax depositingspaces beall the wax above the passage as well as that tween the filterdisks, a heating pipe extendbelow it to be, melted. rl`he melted wax ingthrough the openings in the filter disks, drains through thefiltercloths and out of and means for introducing a heating fiuid. thepress, being separately collected for furinto the spaces between thedisks. ther treatment after separation of Water G. ln wax filtering`apparatus, a plurality from the melted wax by settling. of spaced filtersurfaces in horizontal alignin many cases the introduction of steamment, said surfaces being provided above for the purpose of melting thewax to entheir central points with aligned openings, large the liquidpassage may be entirely dismeans for forcing oil into alternate spacespensed with, the hot water being directly inbetween said surfaces andmeans for withtroduced into the press and traveling drawing liquid fromthev remaining spaces, 110 through the passage left by the oil in theand means for forcing heating liquid wax. through the aligned openings.

After the waX has been removed from the 7. ln wax filtering apparatus, aplurality press the latter is chilled by the passage of of spaced filtersurfaces in horizontal aligncold pressed oil or of chilled wax-bearingoil. ment, said surfaces being provided above in the latter case theAdrips taken from the their central points with aligned openings, pressbefore it is thoroughly chilled must be means for forcing oil intoalternate spaces a ain chilled and pressed. between said surfaces andmeans for with- Although the invention has been described drawing liquidfrom the remaining spaces, in connection with certain specific detailsof a heating pipe extending through the openoperation and construction,it is not intended ings in the filter surfaces yand means forV thatthese details shall be regarded as limiforcing heating liquid throughthe optentations upon the scope of the invention, exings outside of theheating pipe.

cept in so far as included in the accompany- 8. ln wax filteringapparatus, a plurality ing claims. Y of aligned filter disks, havingaligned-openclaim: ings at least half the radius of the disks 1. ln waxfiltering apparatus, in combinaabove their centers, each disk comprisingtion, a filter surface, means for forcing spaced filter surfaces, meansfor removing chilled oil through said surface, thereby liquid from thespaces within the lter disks depositing wax therefrom, and aA heatconbetween the filter surfaces, wai: spaces bei?.

tween the filter disks, and means for forcing heated liquid through thealigned openings.

9. In wax filtering a of aligned filter disks, aving aligned openings atleast half the radius of the disks above their centers, each diskcomprising spaced filter surfaces, means for removing liquid from thespaces within the filter disks between the filter surfaces, Wax sparesbetween the filter disks, a heating pipe extending through the openingsin the filter surfaces and means for forcing heating liquid through theopenings outside of the heating P Ifo. The improvement in the art offiltering wax from chilled oil which comprises the passing of oilsimultaneously through a plurality' of adjacently arranged filtersurfaces, thereby depositing a cake of wax upon each of said filtersurfaces, the heating of each of said cakes of wax at adjacent points insaid cakes to melt each of -said cal-:es to form communicationtherethrough, and the introducing of a heated fluid through saidcommunication. y

11. The improvementv in the art of filtering wax from chilled oil whichcomprises the passing of oil simultaneously through a plurality ofadjacently arranged filter surfaces, thereb depositing a cake of waxupon each of sald yfilter surfaces, the applying of heat to each of saidcakes of wax at adjacent points to melt the same to form communicationtherethrough, the introducing of a hot liquid through 'saidcommunication to melt the entire cakes, and the passing ofA the hotliquid and melted wax through the filter surfaces.

12. The improvement in the art of filtering wax from chilled oil whichcomprises the passing of chilled oil through a filter surface, therebydepositing a cake of wax upon said surface, the applying of heat to saidcake of wax at one point in order to melt away a part of the same, andthe introducing of a hot fluid into the space formed by the wax thusmelted away, to come in contact with the lrest ofthe cake of wax to fmelt the same.

13. The improvement in the art of filtration which consists'in passingchilled wax bearing oil simultaneously1 through a plurality of adjacentvertical filter surfaces, thereby depositing cakes of w-aX between saidsurfaces, and applying a heated liquid to said wax cakes at Vpointsabove their centers to melt the wax and effect its removal from thefilter surfaces.

14. The method of removing wax from a filter press which consists inforcing a heated liquid through the wax filled press through a passageabove the center of the press. v c

15. The improvement in the art of filtering wax from chilled oil whichcomprises paratus, a plurality ing of aligned the passing of oilsimultaneously through a plurality of adj acently arranged filtersurfaces, thereby ldepositing a cake of wax upon each of said filtersurfaces, the melting of parts of said cakes to form a communicationtherethrough, and the introducing of a heated fluid through saidcommunication.

16. The improvement in the art of filtering wax from chilled oil whichcomprises the passing of oil simultaneously through a plurality ofadjacently arranged filter surfaces, thereby depositing a cake of waxupon each of said filter surfaces, the locally meltparts of said cakesto form a communication therethrough, and the introducing of a heatedfluid through said communication,

17. The improvement in the art of filtering wax from chilled oil whichcomprises the passing of oil simultaneously through a plurality ofadjacently arranged filter surfaces, thereby depositing a cake of waxupon each of said filter surfaces, the formin of openings throughsaidcakes to provi e a communication therethrough, and the introducing of aheated fluidth-rough said communication.

18. The improvement in the art of filtering wax from chilled oil whichcomprises the passing of oil simultaneously through a plurality offilter surfaces, thereby depositing a cake of wax upon each of saidfilter surfaces, and the applying of a hot liquid directly to said cakesof waX to melt the Same.

19. The improvement in the art 'of filtering wax from chilled oil whichcomprises the passing of oil simultaneously throu h a plurality offilter surfaces, thereby epositing a cake of wax upon each of saidfilter surfaces, and the applying of hot water directly to said cakes ofwax to melt the same.

20. The improvement in the art of filtering wax from chilled oil whichcomprises the passing of oil simultaneously through a plurality offilter surfaces, thereby depositing a cake of wax upon each of saidfilter surfaces, the applying of a 4hot fluid directly to said cakes ofwax to melt the same, andthe removing of the melted wax and hot fluidthrough the filter surfaces.

21. The improvement in the art of filtering wax from chilled oil whichcomprises the passing of oil simultaneously through a plurality offilter surfaces, thereby depositing a cake of wax upon each of saidfilter surfaces, the applying of hot water directly to said cakes of waxto melt'the same, and the vremoving of the melted wax and hot waterthrough the filter surfaces.

22. The improvement in the art of filtering wax from chilled oil whichcomprises the passing of oil simultaneously through a filter surface,thereby depositing a cake of 15 wax upon said filter surface,

wax upon said filter surface, and the applying of a hot liquid directlyto said cakes of wax to melt the same.

23. The improvement in the art of filtering Wax from chilled oil whichcomprises the passing of Oil simultaneously through a filter surface,thereby depositing a cake of, wax upon said filter surface, and theapplying of hot Water directly to said cakes' of wax to melt the same. y

24. The improvement in the art of filtering Wax from chilled oil whichcomprises the passing of oil simultaneously through a filter surface,thereby depositing a cake of, the applying Lemie@ Y of a hot fluiddirectly to said cakes of wax to melt the same, and the removing of themelted wax and hot surface.

25. The improvement in the' art of filtering wax from chilled oil whichcomprises the passing of oil simultaneously through a filter surface,thereby depositing a cake of Wax upon said filter surface, the applyingof hot water directly to said cakes ofi WaX to melt the same, and theremoving of the fluid through the filter' melted wax and hot Waterthrough the filter surface. v

GEORGE H. FIFELD.

